Police still probing sheriff's officer fight

Shelby Police said Monday that investigators are still interviewing people involved in a parking lot fight that led to the resignation of a Cleveland County Sheriff's Office lieutenant.

No charges have been filed, but the former law enforcement officer, Steve Smith, could face prosecution.

Shelby Police Chief Jeff Ledford said once the investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the district attorney who will decide whether to prosecute Smith.

Police expect to continue interviewing people until Wednesday, according to Shelby Police Capt. Rick Stafford.

"It's like any other crime," Stafford said. "I don't know what else we should be doing. We look at it like any other case and investigate it. The victim mentioned he didn't want to prosecute -- that's his choice, but we still have an investigation we're doing."

According to the Shelby Police report, Smith got into an argument with a man at a convenience store on East Dixon Boulevard early Friday morning when Smith parked in a handicapped space.

Smith was off duty at the time and had been on medical leave for several weeks prior, according to the sheriff's office.

The argument escalated and Smith pulled out a pocket knife and pressed it against the other man's throat while he was still sitting in his car, the report states.

The man, listed as David Quick of Owl Lane in Shelby, reportedly punched Smith and knocked him down, according to the report.

Police said both Smith and Quick were intoxicated.

Attempts to reach both men for comment Friday and Monday were unsuccessful.

Stafford said officers arrived on the scene after the two parties had been separated and neither man wanted to press charges.

According to the report, an open can of beer was found in Smith's car and a cup of beer was found in the back pocket of the passenger seat.

Police said Emergency Medical Services treated Quick for cuts on his finger and forearm, but Smith refused treatment.

"The crime will be assault with a deadly weapon," the report states.

Sheriff Alan Norman said Smith was employed with the sheriff's office since August of 1995 and worked his way up from deputy to lieutenant over the civil division.

Norman said an internal investigation was immediately launched following the incident and Smith handed in a letter of resignation hours later.

He said Smith has not faced disciplinary action during 17 years with the sheriff's office.

Reach reporter Rebecca Clark at 704-669-3344 or rclark@shelbystar.com or follow on Twitter @TheStarRebecca.